Patricia is a plain-Jane, 20-something who has never received much attention from men. A few extra pounds keep her off the radar screens of potential boyfriends, who mainly focus on her great personality. That all changes when she signs up for an experimental weight-loss drug study. To her delight, the weight-loss drug works and has a spectacular side effect -- it changes her brown hair to platinum blond.

For a while, she starts to believe that blondes do have more fun, or at least get more attention. Suddenly, she's turning heads and catches the eye of Brett, the store owner's wealthy, party-boy son. He may have good looks and money, but that's about it. Patricia is so mesmerized by his social status and wealth that she's willing to trade kindness, loyalty and personality for an upper-crust life. Of course, Brett never noticed Patricia until she turned into an overnight bombshell.

Paulie and Pinky round out the cast and are Patricia's two best friends and roommates. They do their best to support their friend and put up with her antics as she nearly self- destructs, overcome by her "blondeness."

HYSTERICAL BLONDENESS is a fast-reading, perky little story. The characters are delightful and the plot interesting, even if a bit predictable. It's a good read for a lazy day.